'It’s not the end of my career' – Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled as Al Nassr player and says 'my work is done' in Europe
/dnl.tntsports.co.uk/sd/img/placeholder/tnt_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 03/01/2023 at 19:47 GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo was officially presented as an Al Nassr player to the assembled media in Riyadh on Tuesday. Ronaldo has signed a contract worth a staggering £200million a season and spoke defiantly about what he wants to achieve in the Middle East. There were some harsh words for his critics, claiming: "Many people speak and give their opinions, but they don’t know anything about football.”
Ronaldo receives raptuous welcome from Al Nassr fans
Cristiano Ronaldo insists that a move to Al Nassr does not signal the end of his career, as he looks to chase down more records in Saudi Arabia.
The 37-year-old has signed a contract believed to be worth £200million a season and is now relishing a new challenge in the Middle East.
“I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life and football,” said Ronaldo at his official unveiling to the media.
"I want to give a different vision of the country and the football.
"In Europe my work is done, I won everything. I played for the most important clubs in Europe. For me now, it's a new challenge.
“For me it’s not the end of my career coming to Saudi Arabia, and I’m not worried about what people say.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/01/03/3518320-71713573-2560-1440.jpg)
'I want to give a different vision of this country' - Ronaldo presented by Al Nassr
Ronaldo claims he had many offers to continue his career at clubs from all over the world, but stressed he gave his word to Al Nassr.
“I can say now I had many opportunities in Europe; many clubs in Brazil, Australia, US, even in Portugal; many clubs tried to sign me.
“But I gave my word to this club for the opportunity to develop, not only the football, but the other parts of this amazing country.
“For me, it's a good challenge. I know what I want and I know what I don't want as well.
“With my knowledge and experience, we can grow many important points.”
“Al Nassr have a women’s football team as well, so I want to give a different vision of the country and the football, the perspective of everybody.”
The Portugal captain delivered a damning verdict of those criticising his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and is impressed by the standard of football in the country.
“Many people speak and give their opinions, but they don’t know anything about football,” he explained.
“In the last 10 or 15 years, you have seen how football has evolved. If you look at the example of the World Cup, the only team that beat the champions were Saudi Arabia; don’t forget that.
“I’m really happy to be here, the league is very competitive. I know that because I saw many games.
“I am coming here to win, to play and enjoy my football. I want to be part of the success and culture of the country. I’m here together with the people of Al Nassr, my coach, and the president.”
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement